REVIEW by SHEENA RAWCLIFFE
The one thing that the Algarveans cannot be accused of is failing to challenge themselves and they certainly challenged themselves with Honk! The Musical.
And did the challenge pay off? Well the comments received were as various as the different ways in which an egg can be cooked.
For many, the Algarveans succeeded in bringing an internationally acclaimed musical to the stage in Lagoa.
For others it was a ‘shell’ too far – bring back the pantomime was one cry.
All those involved in the production (not just those performing on the stage) had obviously put their heart and soul into Honk! and it was warming to see the youngsters, whose first time it was on the stage, thoroughly enjoying the experience.
-[57460].res.jpg) |
 |
The humour was funny, corny and at times subtle – and very English, so some of it may have been lost on other nationalities.
João Prata, who played the lead as Ugly, has a promising future on the stage and is to be commended for his performance, his musical interpretation of the part and of using the English language with hardly a falter.
Jordan Weijdom, Charles Reid-Montgomery, Joana Silva and Orla Ferrie, who played Ugly’s brothers and sisters, should also be commended for their ability to keep the momentum of the musical going, at times when things were a little slow on stage. None of them needed prompting – well done!
But for me, the show was stolen by the Cat and the Bullfrog. Ian Carfrae (the Cat) was superbly cast and never failed to entertain.
The Bullfrog was played by Trevor Herrington (also the Musical Director). Both Ian and Trevor had exemplary timing, great humour and totally engaged the audience.
This, for me, was by far the least favourite offering from the Algarveans. I would have liked to see some feathers and a more dynamic story, none of which detracts from the great effort and entertainment that the Algarveans offered us once more. Oh yes they did!
